A simple method for equine kinematic gait event detection

Summary Background Previous studies have validated methods for determining kinematic gait events using threshold‐based techniques. However, a simple method that can be successfully applied to walk, trot and canter is yet to be identified. Objectives To develop a simple kinematic method to identify the timing of hoof contact (hoof‐on), peak vertical force and lift off (hoof‐off), which can be applied in walk, trot and canter. Study design In vivo method authentication study. Methods Horses (n = 3) were ridden in walk, trot and canter down a runway on which four force plates were arranged linearly. Three‐dimensional forces were recorded at a sampling rate of 960 Hz and were synchronised with a 10‐camera motion analysis system sampling at 120 Hz. Events identified from vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) data were hoof‐on (GRFz>50N), peak vertical force (GRFzpeak) and hoof‐off (GRFz